Let’s talk Obi-Wan…

All day there have been persistent reports that an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie is in the works. These reports originated from Star Wars news site, Fantha Tracks who claim that Lucasfilm is currently in pre-production on the project, with filming to begin in 2019 for a 2020 release.

Is the report true?

No one knows for sure.

Fantha Tracks seem pretty confident, but so far neither Lucasfilm or Disney have made an announcement to confirm or deny the reports. With the focus firmly on Solo: A Star Wars Story at present, it’s doubtful that Lucasfilm or Disney will even address these rumours.

Is the news likely?

It seems very, VERY possible that this news is true – or at least a version of it.

According to Fantha Tracks, the art department over at Pinewood Studios are currently working on concept art for the movie and crew members – shortly set to start work on Episode IX – have had their contracts extended to stay on board for Obi-Wan Kenobi. Again, this all kind of makes sense, especially considering the speed with which Lucasfilm/Disney are pumping out Star Wars movies on an annual basis – starting on the project now would ensure there’s a movie in place for 2020.

Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumours of an Obi-Wan Kenobi solo movie – this is a rumour that’s been doing the rounds for a while. The suggestion is that Lucasfilm is keen to get Ewan McGregor back in the role, McGregor is keen too and everyone seems confident this is a good idea.

I think it’s fair to say that if this news does turn out to be true and McGregor is on board then this is a win-win situation all round. Of all the different elements of the prequel trilogy, most would agree that McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi was a highlight.

As I type these very words I’m currently two-thirds of the way through a re-watch of Attack of the Clones (2002) – my least favourite Star Wars movie – and Ewan McGregor is easily the best thing about this film. The prospect of seeing him back on screen, fleshing out his character further is just too good not to get excited about.

So, let’s just presume that this news is true and that an Obi-Wan movie is in the works – when should it be set? Directly after the events of Revenge of the Sith (2005)? Directly before Rogue One (2016)? Or somewhere slap-bang in the middle?

What about the villain? Would it be good to introduce a whole heap of new villains, not connected to the Sith/Empire or should this film be directly linked to the ongoing Star Wars Saga? Should Darth Vader appear?

Personally, I’d love to see some more Obi-Wan/Anakin interactions. Sure, Revenge of the Sith saw the two Jedi go their separate ways, but does that mean the story has to end there? Isn’t there a little wiggle room for another encounter?

I think an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie has a great deal of potential and let’s be honest, it’s not like he spent years twiddling his thumbs on Tattoine waiting for Luke Skywalker to come of age. Speaking of which – introducing a younger Luke wouldn’t be a bad thing either.

But what are your thoughts? Are you up for an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie and if so, what would you like to see – a completely separate entry or something linked to the ongoing Skywalker storyline?

I liked Obi-Wan Kenobi as a character. One detail that they got wrong as far as his role in Revenge of the Sith was how he was not among the Jedi who went to arrest Palpatine. If this had happened, even though this is an alternate time line idea, maybe Anakin Skywalker would not have turned to the Dark side of the Force. Seeing his Master fighting Palpatine, the thought of losing him, would probably have spared him from the dark path he had taken.